Savvy Shopper: Bike locks

Bill Hogan/Tribune photo

Keys: 2 house key size, none lighted Weight: 3.3 pounds Size: 1/2-inch shaft, 111/4-inches long, 41/4 -inches wide With cable? Yes Cost: $22.42 at amazon.com Bike mount? Included. Narrow hard plastic secured with screws, has a lip to situate lock in so it doesn't swing in mount when you turn. Other: Dust cover on lock cylinder. Not as pretty, but longer than most Kryptonites and OnGuards. Coating appears more susceptible to rust than others. Best for: Best low-cost option for everyday and casual riders.

Keys: 2 house key size, none lighted Weight: 3.3 pounds Size: 1/2-inch shaft, 111/4-inches long, 41/4 -inches wide With cable? Yes Cost: $22.42 at amazon.com Bike mount? Included. Narrow hard plastic secured with screws, has a lip to situate lock in so it doesn't swing in mount when you turn. Other: Dust cover on lock cylinder. Not as pretty, but longer than most Kryptonites and OnGuards. Coating appears more susceptible to rust than others. Best for: Best low-cost option for everyday and casual riders. (Bill Hogan/Tribune photo)

Keys: 2 small keys, none lighted Weight: 2.6 pounds Size: 1 foot long, end-to-end With cable? No Cost: $33.75 at amazon.com Bike mount? Must buy separately ($6.75 at amazon.com) Other: Creates a cramped space to jam your hands into, so if you have big hands, try a different lock. Also, several pinch points, so watch your fingers. Best for: Casual riders who don't have to use it frequently.

Keys: 2 small keys, none lighted Weight: 2.6 pounds Size: 1 foot long, end-to-end With cable? No Cost: $33.75 at amazon.com Bike mount? Must buy separately ($6.75 at amazon.com) Other: Creates a cramped space to jam your hands into, so if you have big hands, try a different lock. Also, several pinch points, so watch your fingers. Best for: Casual riders who don't have to use it frequently. (Bill Hogan/Tribune photo)

A wise old biker once told me: "If someone wants your bike badly enough, they'll find a way to get it." Knowing that, we looked at several locks on the market to help you determine which might meet your cycling style. U-locks are the default standard, usually used in conjunction with cables to secure your tires. Keep in mind these things when selecting locks: •While a company can claim to have $$$$ insurance offers associated with their locks, the caveats to claiming that money in the event of theft are many. For example, if you don't return the broken lock (and sometimes keys) to the manufacturer, you're out of luck. If your bike is used for commercial means, you may not qualify for coverage. Signing up for coverage can also be a hassle. •Cables and cable locks are not insured. Get at least a U-lock, and keep the toughest part of your lock around the part of your bike you'd like to see most upon your return. •Always secure your bike to something immoveable. Mini U-locks don't usually allow you to secure your bike to anything other than itself. --Jen Mystkowski, Tribune Newspapers